Important Dates for Next TOEFL Cycle
Similar to other international standardized tests, aspirants choose to appear for the Test of English as a Foreign Language all through the year. The TOEFL is offered year-round at various exam centers. Due to the COVID crisis, the TOEFL dates may be scarce at the TOEFL centers, as safety has been the top priority of ETS at all times.
Students who wish to register for the exam must visit the official website and create a profile for the TOEFL registration process. Aspirants can check out the available TOEFL dates below.
Due to the ongoing pandemic COVID-19, ETS – the conducting body of the TOEFL has decided to conduct the TOEFL at-home version for the TOEFL for locations where the TOEFL iBT exam is available.
There are no fixed TOEFL dates for the TOEFL at-home test. Aspirants can select a TOEFL date as preferred by them and book the TOEFL at-home exam. Aspirants must have the mandatory system requirements and a proper environment to appear for the TOEFL 2021.
TOEFL – Why Should I Choose to Give It?
How Often Is the TOEFL Conducted?
The TOEFL is conducted over 60 times a year at designated exam centers worldwide.
Here are some details about the TOEFL and dates:
| Exam Name | (TOEFL) Test of English as a Foreign Language |
| Conducting Organization | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| Score Validity | Two years from the test date |
| Mode of Exam | Internet-based test, known as TOEFL iBT Note: A paper-delivered TOEFL is also available, but only for such locations where testing via the internet is unavailable. |
| Frequency of Exam | The exam is held more than 60 times a year at designated exam centers across the world. |
| Exam Level | International level test |
| Desired Mode | Most institutions prefer the TOEFL iBT as it measures the four major communication skills: Reading Listening Speaking Writing |
| Contact Details | Phone: +1-609-771-7100/1-877-863-3546 Fax: +1-610-290-8972 |
Preparation: Things to Consider
Based on your location, the TOEFL iBT is available up to sixty times per year. To know the dates available at centers near you, visit the ETS Center Search page and enter your area and the two months when you wish to take the exam (if you are not sure, you may scroll through to see multiple options).
However, a more suitable option is the TOEFL Home Edition, which ETS recently announced. It is available 24 hours a day, four days a week.
TOEFL Availability in Your City or Region
The first thing aspirants should consider is the exam’s availability. Not all test dates are available in a particular location. Check to see when a TOEFL might be held and where it is available.
The nearest exam center may usually be an hour or two away from you on a given exam date by travel. At the same time, the system might even offer other exam dates nearer to you.
Make sure to check on both exam dates and locations. You can find this information on the TOEFL official website or by logging into your ETS TOEFL account.
TOEFL iBT: Home Edition or Test Centre?
TOEFL Home Edition
In 2020, ETS started conducting the TOEFL Home Edition so that test-takers can attend the exam safely from their own homes. It is available throughout 2021, as ETS has announced it as a permanent testing mode. The TOEFL Home Edition is similar to the TOEFL iBT, except that candidates take it virtually. The exam has a live proctor to monitor the student through a computer and microphone on the device.
At the moment, the TOEFL Home Edition is available throughout the world, except in China and India. Note that you’ll require a computer with specific tech specs to take the exam.
The Timeline
If you plan on starting grad school within a year, you may wish to choose a date to take the TOEFL relatively soon. Many US programs require applications much before the start of the semester.
However, this depends on what programs you will apply to, and guidelines are different at some international universities. Visit the institutional websites of the ones you’re interested in, and email the admissions office if you’re not sure when applications are due.
Stay aware of application deadlines. Most undergraduate programs in the US have deadlines in the winter or late fall before you start (for a program that starts in the fall).
The final date may vary if you are an international student, if you wish to be considered for scholarships, or if you’re applying for early action/early decision. Verify with an admissions counselor at your school of choice to ensure that you’ve got the correct date.
When you should take the exam ultimately depends on how close those deadlines are. However, you should also consider how long it will take to prepare for the TOEFL fully. If you have to take the test, it should be at least a couple of months from when you begin studying.
TOEFL Scores Accepting Countries List
Conclusion
You require time to prepare thoroughly and take a few TOEFL practice tests. Hence, the later scheduled days on the exam dates should be appropriate for most aspirants who read this blog. However, that assumes your application deadlines are also months into the future, at least.
Don’t forget that your scores expire.
TOEFL scores are good for two years after your exam date. After that, you’ll have to retake the exam before applying to your program. Hence, even if you’re studying abroad right now and you feel confident in English, you should perhaps simply wait until you’re in that two-year window. This is if you still have a few years before you apply to college unless you wish to take the language proficiency exam now for practice or personal reasons.